Packaging device for ignition components

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a packaging device for holding a plurality of ignition components for an internal-combustion engine including a plurality of spark plugs, a set of breaker points and a condenser. It comprises a container having a pair of opposed end walls and a continuous sidewall, preferably of cylindrical configuration, joining the two end walls. A first means in the form of a thin, stiff plastic insert and a second means in the form of a thin, stiff plastic insert each has a plurality of receptacles positioned therein. The receptacles in the first means or insert receive one end of the spark plugs, while the receptacles in the second means or insert receive the other end of the spark plugs. Each of these inserts has outwardly extending means, complementary in configuration to the continuous sidewall of the container. The first and second insert together with the spark plugs are positioned within the container and the dimension of the outwardly extending means of the inserts is less than the inner dimension of the cylindrical wall of the container to provide a loose fit so that the first and second inserts and the spark plugs maybe readily inserted into and removed from the container. Additionally, the first insert has a pair of recesses positioned therein which receive a condenser and a set of breaker points respectively.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Wilbert A. Paschke 21214 Pennie, Dearborn Heights, Mich. 48125 [21] Appl. No. 813,199 [22] Filed Apr. 3, 1969 [45] Patented Jan. 12,1971

[54] PACKAGING DEVICE FOR IGNITION COMPONENTS 11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs. [52] U.S.Cl 206/47; 220/17. 220/29: 206/65 [51] Int. Cl B65d 79/00 [50] Field of Search 206/47 46H(dup); 217/265; 220/21, 29

[ 5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,510,625 10/1924 Mann et a1 217/265 2,612,261 9/1952 Percopo 220/21X 2,839,186 6/1958 McCarty ..206/46(Hdwp) 3,178,019 4/1965 Fetzek 206/78(B) Primary Examiner-Joseph R. Leclair Assistant Examiner-John M. Caskie Attorney-John R. Faulkner and Keith L. Zerschling I ABSTRACT: This disclosure relates to a packaging device for holding a plurality of ignition components for an internalcombustion engine including a plurality of spark plugs, a set of breaker points and a condenser. It comprises a container having a pair of opposed end walls and a continuous sidewall, preferably of cylindrical configuration, joining the two end walls. A first means in the form of a thin, stiff plastic insert and .a second means in the form of a thin, stiff plastic insert each has a plurality of receptacles positioned therein. The receptacles in the first means or insert receive one end of the spark plugs, while the receptacles in the second means or insert receive the other end of the spark plugs. Each of these inserts has outwardly extending means, complementary in configuration to the continuous sidewall of the container. The first and second insert together with the spark plugs are positioned within the container and the dimension of the outwardly extending means of the inserts is less than the inner dimension of the cylindrical wall of the container to provide a loose fit so that the first and second inserts and the spark plugs may be readily inserted into and removed from the container. Additionally, the first insert has a pair of recesses positioned therein which receive a condenser and a set of breaker points respectively.

PACKAGING DEVICE FOR IGNITION COMPONENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of packaging devices, and more particularly to a packaging device for holding a plurality of ignition components necessary for a tune-up on an internalcombustion engine, i.e., spark plugs, ignition breaker points and a condenser.

There have been many packaging devices in the prior art for containing and holding various ignition components for an internal-combustion engine. For example, there are a number of pensive means for packaging and holding a complete ignition system tune-up kit for an internal-combustion engine, i.e., spark plugs, ignition breaker points and a condenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a packaging device for holding a plurality of ignition components used in tuning an internalcombustion engine'lt holds all of the necessary ignition components including spark plugs, ignition breaker points a condenser connected across the breaker points, the washers for the spark plugs. and grease for greasing'the cam follower or rubbing block of the ignition breaker points.

It comprises a container having a pair of opposed end walls and a joining sidewall, preferably of substantially cylindrical configuration. A first means in the form of an insert constructed of a thin, stiff plastic material has a plurality of receptacles positioned therein. The number of receptacles corresponds to the number of spark plugs, usually six or eight, to

be packaged in the container. A second means in the form of a second insert having a corresponding number of receptacles is provided which is also constructed of a thin, stiff plastic material. The receptacles in the first means or insert receive one end of the spark plugs, while the'receptacles in the second means or insert receive the other end of the spark plugs. The first and second means, in the form of the inserts, include outwardly or radially extending means complementary in shape to the sidewall of the container and having a dimension slightly less than the inner peripheral dimension of the container. The spark plugs, together with the insert, may there- 'fore be positioned within the container and the bottom of the receptacles of the second means or insert rests against the bottom wall of the container. The outwardly extending means on the first and second means or inserts prevent a large amount of movement within the container of the inserts and the spark plugs in a radial direction with respect to the axes of the spark plugs.

The first means or insert also has a pair of recesses. The ignition breaker points are positioned in one of these recesses, while the condenser, together with a small package of grease and a package containing the washers for the spark plugs, are positioned in the other recess.

The receptacles in the second means or insert comprise a main body portion and a body portion of reduced dimension which has a pair of inwardly extending protuberances. These protuberances may come into engagement with the end of the threaded portion on certain spark plug bodies to prevent the points or contacts of the spark plugs from engaging the bottom of the receptacle thereby preventing any damage to these points or contacts. Moreover one of the end walls, the top wall of the container, is removable by means of a pull tab which will separate the top wall from the sidewall. In addition, a snap-on type cover constructed of a flexible plastic material is positioned over this removable top wall to permit the container to be resealed if only a portion of the components are to be used or to permit the container to be used for other purposes when the inserts and all of the components have been removed. a

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the packaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the packaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view partially in elevation through the packaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the two inserts of the packaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view partially in elevation through one of the receptacles of the bottom insert and showing a different type spark plug than those shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view through two of the receptacles positioned in the bottom insert and taken along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT I Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views thereof, there is shown the packaging device 10 of the present invention which comprises a can or container 11 having a first opposed end or bottom wall 12 and a second opposed end or top wall 14, joined by a continuous sidewall 16 which is preferably of cylindrical configuration. The end or bottom wall 12 is permanently affixed to the sidewall 16 while the other end or top wall 14 is removable. It comprises a generally annular main body portion 18 joined to a U-shaped portion 20 by means of a weakened circular portion 22. The U-shaped portion 20 is crimped over the end of the sidewall 16 and a tab 24 is affixed, by means of a rivet arrangement 26, to the main body portion 18 of the end or top wall 14. A second top wall or cover 30 is constructed of a flexible plastic material and has a depending annular flange 32 which snaps over the outer portion of the U-shaped section of the end or top wall 14.

As can best be seen by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the packaging device of the present invention also includes a first means or insert 36 and a second means or insert 38. Each of these means or inserts 36 and 38 is constructed of a thin, stiff plastic material, for example, a high-impact styrene, having a thickness of approximately 0.030 inches. The first means or insert 36 has a plurality of spaced receptacles 40 positioned therein and each of these receptacles may be in the form of a partial truncated done. They may be connected for purposes of rigidity by upstanding integrally formed walls, each of which is designated by the numeral 42. The number of the receptacles 40 formed in the first means or insert 36 corresponds to the number of spark plugs to be packaged in the packaging device. As shown in the drawings these receptacles number eight to hold eight spark plugs for an eight cylinder internal-combustion engine. The other means or insert 38 also has a plurality of receptacles 44 formed therein which may also be in the form of partial truncated cones. These receptacles also may be joined by means of reinforcing walls 46 formed integrally with them.

As can best be seen by reference to FIG. 3, the receptacles 40 in the first means or insert 36 receive the terminal ends 48 of spark plugs 50, while the receptacles 44 formed in the second means or insert 38 receive the other end or metallic casing 52 of the spark plugs. Both ends 48 and 52 of the spark plugs 50 are received firmly within the receptacles 40 and 44 respectively, to hold the spark plugs in 'a stable position.

The first means or insert 36 has an outwardly extending means or annular flange 54 formed integrally with the receptacles 40 and the reinforcing walls 42, and the second means or insert 38 has a similar outwardly extending means or annular flange 56 formed integrally with the receptacles 44 and the reinforcing walls 46.

As can best be seen by reference to FIG. 3, the outwardly extending means or annular flanges 54 and 56 of the inserts 36 and 38 have an outer peripheral dimension which is less than the inner peripheral dimension of the sidewall 16 of the can or container 11. These flanges 54 and are dimensioned with respect to the sidewall 16 to prevent undue movement of the assembly comprising the first means or insert 36, the second means or insert 38 and the spark plugs 50 in a radial direction with respect to the axes of the spark plugs and to permit this assembly to be readily inserted into the can or container 11. It

also permits this assembly or any portion of it to be readily removed from the can or container 11. lt should be noted that the centers of the receptacles 40 and the centers of the receptacles 44 each inscribe a circle having the same diameter through which axes of the spark plugs pass when they are positioned within the receptacles in the two means or inserts 36 and 38.

The first means or insert 36 has a pair of recesses 60 and 62 formed therein by the receptacles 40, the reinforcing walls 42 and a dividing wall 64 formed integrally with two receptacles 40 that are positioned opposite one another. The recess 60 includes a bottom wall 66 while the recess 62 includes a bottom wall 68. The recess 62 receives a conventional ignition breaker point set 70 shown partially in elevation in FIG. 3, while the receptacle 60 receives a condenser 72 adapted to be connected across the points of the ignition breaker point set 70, a container of grease 74 which is employed to lubricate the rubbing block or cam follower of the breaker point set 70. A container holding a plurality of washers that fit over the threaded portion 78 of each spark plug 50 may also be located in the recess 60.

As best can best be seen by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, each receptacle 44 in the second means or insert 38 comprises a main body portion 80 which is in the form of a partial truncated cone, and an end portion 82 which is of smaller peripheral dimension that the main body portion 80. A shoulder 84 is formed at the junction of the main body portion 80 and the end portion 82. In addition, a pair of opposed inwardly formed protuberances 85 and 86 are positioned in the end portion 82 for purposes which will be described subsequently.

It can readily be seen by reference to FIG. 3 that the main body portion 80 of each receptacle 44 engages the bottom edge 87 of the outer metallic casing 52 of the spark plug 50 and that the threaded portion 78 and the points or contacts 88 do not engage the receptacle and are therefore fully protected against damage. The bottom wall 90 of the end portion 82 of each receptacle 44 rests against the end or bottom wall 12 of the container 11 to support the insert 38, the spark plugs 50, the insert 36 and the remainder of the ignition components in the can or container 11.

The two means or inserts 36 and 38 have been designed to receive any internal-combustion engine spark plug of the automotive type. Certain of these spark plugs have very long threaded portions 78. To prevent the contacts or points 88 of such plugs from engaging the bottom wall 90 on the reduced portion 82 of receptacles 44, the end 92 of the threaded section 78 engages the shoulder 84 and the ends of the opposed protuberances 85 and 86 as shown in H6. 5. This prevents any blows or other forces applied to the end or bottom wall 12 of the container 11 during handling or shipping from damaging the points or contacts 88 of the spark plug 50.

In assembly, the spark plugs 50 may be inserted within the receptacles 44 in the second means or insert 38 and the first means or insert 36 may be placed over the second means or insert 38 so that the spark plugs are positioned within the receptacles 40. This assembly may then be readily positioned in the can or container 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the top wall 14 may then be positioned in place and the U-shaped portion 20 thereof spun over and crimped against the top edge of sidewall 16. The plastic cover or wall 30 may then be snapped into position. The whole package may then be shipped to distributors or dealers and stored as a complete tune-up kit for any particular automobile. This particular arrangement is arrangement is very advantageous since the dealer or retailer need only stock one part or container that contains all of the components required for a complete ignition system tune-up.

When the ignition components are ready for use, the plastic cover or wall 30 is removed, the tab 24 is pulled upwardly thereby separating the main body portion 18 of the top or end wall 14 from the container around the weakened section 22. The assembly comprising the first means or insert 36. the second means or insert 38 and the spark plugs 50, may then be removed from the can or container after the removal of, or prior to the removal of the breaker points 70, the condenser 72, the grease container 74 and the washers from the recesses 60 and 62. The container 11 may then be used with the cover or top wall 30 to form a sealed container to store miscellaneous parts for example, bolts, screws or nails. Also if only a portion of the ignition components stored in the container 11 are to be used at one time, they may be removed and the plastic cover 30 may be positioned in place to form a sealed container for the remainder of the ignition components.

The present invention thus provides a very convenient, inexpensive and reliable packaging device for packaging all of the ignition components necessary for an ignition system tuneup of an internal-combustion engine.

lclaim:

1. A packaging device for holding a plurality of ignition components for an internal-combustion engine including a plurality of spark plugs comprising a container having a pair of opposed end walls and a continuous sidewall joining said end walls, a first means having a plurality of receptacles positioned therein, each receptacle receiving one end of one of said spark plugs, a second means having a plurality of receptacles positioned therein, each receptacle receiving the other end of one of said spark plugs, said first means and said second means and said spark plugs positioned in said container, said first means and said second means each having means extending outwardly of said receptacles and complementary in configuration to said continuous sidewall of said container, said last mentioned means having a dimension to provide a loose fit with the continuous sidewall of said container, whereby said first means, said second means and said spark plugs may be readily inserted into and removed from said container.

2. The combination of claim 1 in which said first means has a pair of recesses positioned therein, a condenser positioned in said first recess and a set of breaker points positioned in said second recess.

3. The combination of claim 2 in which said opposed end wall adjacent said pair of recesses and said condenser is removable to enable said condenser, said breaker points and said first and second means with said spark plugs to be removed from said container.

4. The combination of claim 1 in which said continuous sidewall is cylindrical in configuration and said means extending outwardly of said receptacles in said first and said second means comprises a substantially annular fiange having a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of said cylindrical wall.

5. The combination of claim 4 in which one of said opposed end walls is a bottom wall of said container and said receptacles in said second means rest against said bottom wall, said other opposed end wall is the top wall of said container and is removable to enable said first and second means with its spark plugs to be removed from said container.

6. The combination of claim 5 in which a removable annular plastic cover is positioned over said top wall and the end of said cylindrical wall joining to said top wall to enable the container to be used as a storage means when said first and said second means and said spark plugs have been removed therefrom.

7. The combination of claim 4 in which the centers of the receptacles in said first means inscribe a circle and the centers of the receptacles in said second means inscribe a circle, said circles having substantially the same diameter, and in which said receptacles and the axes of said spark plugs extend in the direction substantially parallel to the cylindrical sidewall of said container.

8. The combination of claim 4 in which the receptacles in said second means include a main body portion and a portion of reduced peripheral dimension, said portion of reduced peripheral dimension having a pair of inwardly extending spark plugs to prevent the points on said spark plugs from engaging the bottom of said receptacles.

' 9. A packaging device for holding-a plurality of ignition components for an automotive vehicle including a plurality of spark plugs comprising a container having a top wall, a bottom wall and a substantially cylindrical sidewall joining said top and bottom walls. afirst insert of thin, stifl plastic material having a plurality of receptacles positioned therein, each receptacle receiving one end of one of said spark plugs, a second insert constructed of a thin, stifi' plastic material having a plurality of receptacles positioned therein, each receptacle receiving the other end of one of said spark plugs, said first insert, said second insert and said spark plugs positioned in said container, said first insert and said second insert having slightly less than the inner diameter of said substantially cylin-v drical sidewall to provide a loose lit with said substantially cylindrical sidewall of said container, whereby said first insert. said second insert and said spark plugs may be readily inserted into and removed from said container.

10. The combination of claim 9 in which said first insert has a pair of recesses positioned therein adjacent said top wall. a condenser positioned in one of said receses and a set of breaker points positionedin the other of said recesses.

11. The combination ofclairn 10 in which said top wall is removable and a cover constructed of plastic material is press fitted over said removable top wall and the top portion of said cylindrical sidewall. 

1. A packaging device for holding a plurality of ignition components for an internal-combustion engine including a plurality of spark plugs comprising a container having a pair of opposed end walls and a continuous sidewall joining said end walls, a first means having a plurality of receptacles positioned therein, each receptacle receiving one end of one of said spark plugs, a second means having a plurality of receptacles positioned therein, each receptacle receiving the other end of one of said spark plugs, said first means and said second means and said spark plugs positioned in said container, said first means and said second means eaCh having means extending outwardly of said receptacles and complementary in configuration to said continuous sidewall of said container, said last mentioned means having a dimension to provide a loose fit with the continuous sidewall of said container, whereby said first means, said second means and said spark plugs may be readily inserted into and removed from said container.
 2. The combination of claim 1 in which said first means has a pair of recesses positioned therein, a condenser positioned in said first recess and a set of breaker points positioned in said second recess.
 3. The combination of claim 2 in which said opposed end wall adjacent said pair of recesses and said condenser is removable to enable said condenser, said breaker points and said first and second means with said spark plugs to be removed from said container.
 4. The combination of claim 1 in which said continuous sidewall is cylindrical in configuration and said means extending outwardly of said receptacles in said first and said second means comprises a substantially annular flange having a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of said cylindrical wall.
 5. The combination of claim 4 in which one of said opposed end walls is a bottom wall of said container and said receptacles in said second means rest against said bottom wall, said other opposed end wall is the top wall of said container and is removable to enable said first and second means with its spark plugs to be removed from said container.
 6. The combination of claim 5 in which a removable annular plastic cover is positioned over said top wall and the end of said cylindrical wall joining to said top wall to enable the container to be used as a storage means when said first and said second means and said spark plugs have been removed therefrom.
 7. The combination of claim 4 in which the centers of the receptacles in said first means inscribe a circle and the centers of the receptacles in said second means inscribe a circle, said circles having substantially the same diameter, and in which said receptacles and the axes of said spark plugs extend in the direction substantially parallel to the cylindrical sidewall of said container.
 8. The combination of claim 4 in which the receptacles in said second means include a main body portion and a portion of reduced peripheral dimension, said portion of reduced peripheral dimension having a pair of inwardly extending shoulders that engage the end of the metallic casing of such spark plugs to prevent the points on said spark plugs from engaging the bottom of said receptacles.
 9. A packaging device for holding a plurality of ignition components for an automotive vehicle including a plurality of spark plugs comprising a container having a top wall, a bottom wall and a substantially cylindrical sidewall joining said top and bottom walls, a first insert constructed of thin, stiff plastic material having a plurality of receptacles positioned therein, each receptacle receiving one end of one of said spark plugs, a second insert constructed of a thin, stiff plastic material having a plurality of receptacles positioned therein, each receptacle receiving the other end of one of said spark plugs, said first insert, said second insert and said spark plugs positioned in said container, said first insert and said second insert having an annular flange extending substantially parallel to the top and bottom walls of said container and having outer diameters slightly less than the inner diameter of said substantially cylindrical sidewall to provide a loose fit with said substantially cylindrical sidewall of said container, whereby said first insert, said second insert and said spark plugs may be readily inserted into and removed from said container.
 10. The combination of claim 9 in which said first insert has a pair of recesses positioned therein adjacent said top wall, a condenser positioned in one of said recesses and a set of breaker points positioned in the other of said recesSes.
 11. The combination of claim 10 in which said top wall is removable and a cover constructed of plastic material is press fitted over said removable top wall and the top portion of said cylindrical sidewall. 